Find out what risks you're really taking—and how fast you should act to protect your safety and your vehicle.
Cracked Windshields Happen. Now What?
You’re driving along when suddenly—snap. A small stone from the highway hits your windshield. Now there’s a crack staring back at you. It might be small, or already spreading.
The big question:
Is it still safe to drive? Or are you putting yourself—and others—at risk?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through:
- What causes windshield cracks
- Why even minor cracks matter
- The safety and legal risks of ignoring them
- When to repair vs. replace
- Insurance coverage and costs in Ontario
And how Auto Glass Legend makes the process simple and stress-free
What Causes Windshield Cracks?
Cracks can appear from more than just flying rocks. Here are the most common causes we see across Ontario:
- Road debris — The top culprit. Small stones kicked up by other vehicles hit your windshield at highway speed.
- Extreme temperatures — Sudden freezing and thawing causes the glass to expand and contract.
- Structural stress — Flexing of the car’s frame during driving or after previous impact damage.
- Poor installation — An improperly installed windshield may not hold up to normal stress.
- Existing chips left unrepaired — Small damage can grow into large cracks in a matter of days. Once the crack begins, it typically only gets worse.
Is It Safe to Keep Driving?
The short answer: not really.
Even small cracks compromise the structural integrity of your windshield. And if the crack is in your line of sight, it’s already affecting visibility—which increases the chance of an accident.
Here’s what can go wrong if you wait:
- Reduced impact protection during a collision
- Incorrect airbag deployment (your windshield helps support the airbag)
- Increased risk of the glass shattering under pressure or cold
- Visibility issues that make safe driving impossible
Auto Glass Legend recommends immediate inspection—especially if the crack is growing or anywhere near your field of view.
Is Driving with a Cracked Windshield Illegal in Ontario?
Yes, Ontario traffic laws prohibit driving with any windshield damage that obstructs a driver’s clear line of sight.
You could be fined if:
- The crack interferes with visibility
- The glass is at risk of collapsing or splintering
- A police officer deems the damage a safety hazard
And while a ticket may be $85–$200, the greater risk is your safety and that of your passengers.
The good news? If you contact Auto Glass Legend right away, we can often repair the crack before it spreads, saving you both the fine and the full cost of replacement.
Repair vs. Replacement: What’s the Right Call?
This is where most people get stuck: Should you repair the crack or replace the entire windshield?
Choose Repair If:
- The crack is under 6 inches long
- It’s not in the driver’s line of sight
- There’s only one area of damage
- The damage hasn’t spread to the edge of the glass
Typical cost in Ontario: $80 to $150
Choose Replacement If:
- The crack is longer than 6 inches
- It has multiple impact points
- It obstructs visibility
- It touches the edge of the windshield
- It compromises embedded sensors (ADAS)
Typical cost in Ontario: $300 to $800+, depending on make/model.
At Auto Glass Legend, we always assess first to see if a safe repair is possible. We never recommend replacement unless it’s absolutely necessary.
Will Insurance Cover My Cracked Windshield?
This is one of the most common—and confusing—questions.
Here’s how it usually works in Ontario:
- Comprehensive coverage often includes glass damage
- Repair claims may be fully covered with no deductible
- Replacement claims may require you to pay your deductible
- Claiming does not usually increase your premium—but check with your provider
We know this process can be a hassle. That’s why Auto Glass Legend handles your insurance paperwork for you.
We’ll:
- Contact your insurer
- Confirm your coverage and deductible
- Bill them directly when eligible
- Help you decide if it’s smarter to file a claim or pay out of pocket
What Does a Crack Repair or Replacement Actually Cost?
Service Type | Average Price in Ontario |
Crack or Chip Repair | $80 – $150 |
Windshield Replacement | $300 – $800+ |
Luxury/ADAS Vehicles | $700 – $1,200+ |
Factors affecting cost:
- Vehicle make and model
- Sensor calibration requirements
- Insurance coverage
- OEM vs. aftermarket glass
When you book with Auto Glass Legend, you get a clear quote up front—and we’ll walk you through whether repair or replacement is the better value.
How Fast Should You Act?
If you noticed a crack this morning and it hasn’t spread yet, you still have time—but not much. Cracks tend to spread fast due to:
- Weather changes (especially cold mornings)
- Highway driving
- Washing your car
- Vibration from potholes or speed bumps
That’s why we offer same-day mobile service across Southern Ontario—including Mississauga, Vaughan, Burlington, and Guelph—so you can get it fixed before the problem gets worse.
Why Choose Auto Glass Legend?
Here’s why thousands of drivers trust us across the GTA and Golden Horseshoe:
- Certified Technicians who assess before replacing
- Mobile Service to your home, office, or driveway
- Same-Day Appointments in most areas
- Insurance Claims Assistance (we handle the paperwork)
- Lifetime Warranty on labour
- Transparent Pricing—no hidden fees, no surprises
We serve: Mississauga, Vaughan, Etobicoke, Georgetown, Acton, Halton Hills, Milton, Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Grimsby, St. Catharines, Smithville, Binbrook, Mount Hope, Dundas, Ancaster, Puslinch, Cambridge, Guelph
Real Stories from Ontario Drivers
“They quoted me for both options, explained what insurance would cover, and had it fixed in my driveway that afternoon.”
— Cassandra Hebert
“I had no idea how dangerous a crack could be. Auto Glass Legend came to my office and handled everything same-day.”
— Sarah Iordanova
“I thought I’d have to replace the whole thing. Richie told me it was repairable, and it cost half what I expected. Honest, fast, and fair.”
— Edison Young
What to Do If You Spot a Crack
- Take a clear photo of the damage
- Text or email it to us for fast assessment
- We’ll reply with options—repair, replacement, or insurance claim
- Book your mobile appointment—we come to you
Don’t wait. The sooner we see it, the more we can do to save your windshield—and your money.
Got a cracked windshield? Let’s fix it before it gets worse.
Call Auto Glass Legend today for mobile service, expert advice, and support across Ontario.
Phone: 905-333-9909 / 416-839-7804
Email: autoglasslegend@gmail.com
Address: 850 Legion Road, Unit 13, Burlington, ON, L7S1T5
Website: autoglasslegend.ca
